New Orleans Pelicans: Looking at 5 rivals the team could have in the Zion era
By Nolan Jensen
Los Angeles Lakers
You knew this had to be on this list. This isn’t due to the enriched history between the two franchises, the Lakers and Pelicans are only attached to the hip because of one man, Anthony Davis. The man that once was the franchise cornerstone and the stable for hope in the Big Easy is now a bitter rival.
The two teams have met in the playoffs once—eight years ago in the first round. There is no historic rivalry here, this is solely an addition to this article due to recent activity.
Anthony Davis’ trade demand and the saga that ensued was taxing on both organizations and their fans. Trust me when I say there is no love lost between the Lakers and Pelicans fanbases and when it’s time for Davis to make his return to the SKC, he’s going to met by deafening boos by the crowd. It’s going to be nationally televised and it will be a playoff atmosphere in the building. Fans will be the driving force behind this rivalry.
From a basketball standpoint, the Lakers do prove a threat to the Pelicans for a number of years. It’s in the realm of possibility that the two teams meet in the playoffs in the near future, it could possibly even happen next year if the Lakers gel and secure a 1st or 2nd seed and the Pelicans over exceed and grab a 7th or 8th seed.
It’ll be a matchup of what used to be for the Pelicans with Rajon Rondo, DeMarcus Cousins, and Anthony Davis vs what was for the Lakers in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart—amongst others. That’s must-see television.